Pacific Northwest Ballet

New Works Initiative

In the Upper Room Jonathan Porretta in Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room. ©Angela Sterling. A two-part world premiere by Twyla Tharp is featured during the 2008–2009 season.
Artistic Director Peter Boal's vision for Pacific Northwest Ballet is infused with innovation, diversity and energy. This vision honors the traditions of PNB while it launches PNB into the future with an increased focus on the presentation of new works from both up-and-coming and well-established choreographers to create a signature body of work for which PNB will be known.


PNB's New Works Initiative provides a flexible environment to create new works, develop dancers, and fashion a repertory both firmly rooted in tradition and committed to the evolution of the artistic medium. New works contribute to the advancement of the art form, while presenting PNB's audiences with a wide range of dance to bolster a strong appreciation of the versatility of ballet and a true understanding of various choreographers' bodies of work.

What is a new work?
New works are defined in two distinctive ways. They are:
  • PNB Premieres: Acquisitions of short and full length ballets of both contemporary and classic forms never before performed by the Company.
  • World Premieres: Commissions of new contemporary choreography to be created on PNB dancers and presented for the first time to Seattle audiences.
The 2008–2009 Season holds six PNB premieres and five world premieres, including a two part ballet by renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp and a new work by PNB corps de ballet member Kiyon Gaines.

Why are new works important to the artists?
Showcasing an array of fresh works by choreographers with distinctive techniques and visions illustrates the breadth and depth of ballet while providing PNB's dancers, as well as artistic, costume, production teams, and orchestra with a broad base of experience and opportunity to demonstrate the range of their ability and artistry. Being able to perform a spectrum of work has earned PNB dancers a well-deserved reputation for versatility, and the challenge of diverse roles retains and attracts the most talented dancers to the Company.

Do ticket revenues pay for new works?
Innovation, relevance and creation come at a price. The reality of a ballet company is that ticket sales do not cover operating expenses. Today sixty-five percent of PNB's budgetary needs are funded by ticket sales and performance fees. To achieve Peter Boal's bold vision and help define the future of ballet, PNB must turn to our patrons for help funding the continuation of our focus on the presentation and commission of new choreography.

Make a donation today!
For more information on the New Works Initiative and how you can support this important vision, please contact Lilah Ostmann, Major Gifts Officer, at 206.441.3594 or LOstmann@pnb.org. Donations to the New Works Initiative will provide you with new benefits as well as can increase your Membership level.

New Works Initiative
Individual Donor Benefits*:

SPONSOR
$10,000+ (Cost varies based on specific production**)
All of the below benefits plus:
  • Opportunity to watch the creation of "your" ballet in PNB studios (subject to prior arrangement)
  • Exclusive one-on-one time with specific choreographer or stager during the creation or staging of "your" ballet, i.e. meeting, coffee, lunch, etc. (subject to prior arrangement)
  • Opportunity to visit the PNB costume or scene shop to witness the creation of sets and costumes for "your" ballet (subject to prior arrangement)
  • Opportunity to travel with the Artistic Director on PNB tours (excludes travel expenses)
  • Name recognition in Encore on the Program Notes page associated with sponsoring "your" ballet
  • Name recognition on the casting inserts during the program featuring "your" ballet
  • Name recognition on any press releases associated with "your" ballet
  • Name recognition on the marquee outside McCaw Hall during the program featuring "your" ballet†
  • Name recognition on the monitors throughout McCaw Hall during the program featuring "your" ballet
  • Opportunity to watch "your" ballet from backstage (subject to prior arrangement)
  • Complimentary dinner for two to the Opening Night dinner of "your" ballet's program
  • Two complimentary tickets to "your" ballet's program
  • Framed, signed posted from "your" ballet's repertory
  • Signed picture from "your" ballet
VISIONARIES
$500 - $9,999
  • Recognition in Encore in a special New Works Initiative listing
  • Invitation to a special studio rehearsal & reception for a new work with choreographer or stager
  • 2 complimentary tickets to the Choreographers' Showcase
*Please note: these benefits are in addition to your standard annual fund benefits.
** Please contact Lilah Ostmann, Major Gifts Officer, at 206.441.3594 or LOstmann@pnb.org for more information.
†in-perpetuity sponsors only